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Gabriel served in the military during the Civil War from Dec 27, 1863 to June 27, 1864 as a Private in the Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Company G-2. During the Civil War's "Battle of the Wilderness" near Chancellorville, Spotsylvania County, Virginia on May 5, 1864, Gabriel was wounded in his right upper arm, which was amputated "in the field" near the shoulder level. Amputation was the common treatment for gunshot wounds during the Civil War. Gangrene was a common result from severe injuries so amputation was thought to be the best preventative. The story has been passed down through the family that Gabriel's life might have been saved because of an act by his brother-in-law, Joshua "Dick" Porter, his sister Emily's husband. Joshua left his wallet with Gabriel while he lay wounded on the battlefield. It was thought that because Gabriel had money with him, he was able to entice a medic, with money, to transport him off the field for further medical care. Gabriel received a disability discharge from the U.S. Army on June 27, 1864. He was also granted a disability pension because he was considered "totally disabled for military service and for civil occupation."
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